Lexus GS 350 Performance Sedan | Officially Unveiled

Ask any driver for the definition of “performance” and you will likely to receieve hundreds of explanation, each a variation. The same goes when you ask for the definition of “luxury”. Something curious happens, however, when you re-word the question for the definition of “performance and luxury”. You will get only a handful of answers, usually pegged with real-life samplings like the BMW 5-Series, the Audi A6 Model, and the Mercedes E-Class. Finally, you will get the “black sheep” of the pack, Lexus, which broke through the cozy German performance sedans fraternity with its GS edition.

Now in its fourth generation and an ever crowded field of competitors, Lexus unveiled its all-new GS 350 for model year 2013. With Lexus Group Vice President Mark Templin and Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda on hand, an presentation at the iconic Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance venue in California gave the public a first look at new addition. With its Lexus LFA super car as an inspiration, designers at Lexus created a more rigid platform with a wider stance with almost 2 inches added on. Its 3.5-liter V6 plus a dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) control is capable in producing 306 horsepower and propel the GS 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Full customizable, the Lexus Drive Mode allows the driver to dial in 4 driving experiences, including an all-wheel drive option for tough road conditions No Lexus will be complete without its slew of amenities for both driver and passengers. With this revamp, Lexus added 25% more space to the trunk compartment for storage, in comparison to the current GS 350. An almost seamless dashboard design accentuates the available space inside. It also highlights the large 8-inch center console information display and the new analog clock, the interior focal point. Other new features include LED lighting in both exterior and interior, a new braking system, a class-leading safety element with 10 air bags, and seamless connectivity from Bluetooth to Pandora music service.

With a launch date set in early 2012, Lexus will follow up with detailed announcement later this year with other GS variants, including a hybrid model and one with Lexus F Sport performance package.